Keeping our students and staff safe and healthy has been our number one priority throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
To support this objective, and to ensure transparency, today we have begun publishing weekly updates showing numbers of positive COVID-19 test results reported to the University among its 38,000-plus students and 9,200-plus staff since the start of term (Monday 28 September).
“ We are acutely aware that behind each number is an individual with their own needs and concerns.”
Weekly update:
| Staff | Students | Total | |
| 28/09/20 | 0 | 49 | 49 |
| 29/09/20 | 0 | 68 | 68 |
| 30/09/20 | 0 | 113 | 113 |
| 01/10/20 | 1 | 129 | 130 |
| 02/10/20 | 0 | 100 | 100 |
| 03/10/20 | 1 | 64 | 65 |
| 04/10/20 | 1 | 32 | 33 |
(Cases are represented on the day individuals received positive test results, not the day results were reported to the University)
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are acutely aware that behind each number is an individual with their own needs and concerns, and ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone is our absolute priority.
“This is a difficult time for our students and their families and friends, our staff, and the community that we work and live in. We are all aware that our city is seeing rising transmission rates and is subject to extra restrictions.
“By working together, we can all play a part in keeping each other safe.
“We encourage students to let us know if they are self-isolating or have received a positive test as soon as possible and to access the extensive support measures the University and Leeds University Union have put in place. We are contacting them by email and telephone to provide reassurance, information about sources of support and practical assistance.”
Extensive information about self-isolation guidance and support can be found via the University’s coronavirus website.
The University remains in close contact with colleagues at Public Health England, Leeds City Council, NHS and numerous other stakeholders, as we have throughout this challenging time.
Case numbers are reported daily to PHE to ensure action is coordinated efficiently.
We are regularly reviewing our approach to managing individual cases to ensure any remedial action takes place promptly – including extra cleaning.
We also remain committed to providing students with face-to-face teaching in instances where it is safe, practicable and is advantageous or necessary to do so. However, where those criteria cannot be met, we have recommended that teaching is moved online, with academics in our schools making the final decision. We are reviewing our plans regularly and will implement any changes, in line with government guidance, as needed.
The University is hosting a community coronavirus testing centre at the Gryphon Sports Centre, open 8am-8pm daily to students, staff and members of the public as part of the NHS Test and Trace Service. Anyone who suspects they have symptoms can book a free test online.
Further information
For additional information, please contact the University of Leeds media relations team via pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.